GLOSSARY
ACT – The ACT is a standardized assessment for high
school students frequently required for admission
into college. The test has sections in English,
mathematics, reading, science reasoning, and an
optional written essay. Scored on a scale from 1 to
36, the test is intended to be an indicator of college
Career and Technical Education (CTE) – Also
readiness. The subjects align with common college
known as vocational education, career and technical
introductory courses. All 11th-graders in Tennessee
education refers to courses and programs designed
are required to take the exam.179
to prepare students to enter the workforce. Usually in
a secondary or postsecondary setting, CTE courses
ACT College Readiness Benchmarks – The
focus on academic and vocational skills needed in the
ACT benchmarks on subject-area tests represent
workplace and typically include competency-based
the minimum score required for students to have
learning. CTE seeks to prepare students for jobs in
approximately a 50 percent chance of earning a B or
fields such as agriculture, engineering, and health
higher or about a 75 percent chance of earning a C
care.
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or higher in the corresponding college-level course.
The ACT tests in English, math, reading, and science
Centers of Regional Excellence (CORE) – A group
correspond to college credit courses in English
of eight regional offices around Tennessee formed
composition, algebra, social sciences, and biology.
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to support collaborative relationships, differentiated
professional learning opportunities, and evidence-
Advanced Placement (AP) – The College Board
based best practice sharing between districts.
offers Advanced Placement courses that provide
CORE staff work closely with district staff to support
students with an opportunity to take college-level
the implementation of key policies and programs
courses and earn college credit while in high school.
that aim to drive improved student learning. CORE
There are more than 30 different AP courses available
offices focus on key areas of district practice
across multiple subject areas.
including data-driven decision making, curriculum
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